Q. What is the most overriding issue in this election and how do you propose to solve it?

Simmons: I believe the most overriding issue in this election is the economy. We must restore economic stability to our region and focus on putting Pennsylvanians back to work. We can do this by investing in small businesses and entrepreneurs because they are the job creators, reducing and eliminating the sky-rocketing debt that is plaguing our community, state and country as a whole and eliminating wasteful government spending. By getting our economy back on track we can provide our children with the opportunity to prosper and live the American dream.

Deely: I am running for this seat to fix the failed policies of our state legislature that have not worked here in the Lehigh Valley. Over the last two years, the legislature and our Governor have touted their priorities, yet they have accomplished nothing. The Simmons Tea-Party agenda is clear: slash funding for education, attack women's rights, cut funding from programs for seniors and the disabled and move Pennsylvania from among the top 10 states in job creation to the bottom 10. Meanwhile, their policies have continued to do nothing to reduce our property taxes, have given billions in tax breaks to big gas companies and special interests. Something needs to be done. Pennsylvanians cannot afford two more years of the Simmons agenda.

Instead, I will focus on leveling the playing field for our businesses, to help them create more jobs. I will work to invest in our crumbling infrastructure fixing our roads and bridges while putting thousands of Pennsyvlanians back to work. I will fight to restore education funding to give our children a brighter future and reduce our property taxes so no senior loses their home. I will work across party lines to protect the most vulnerable among us. I will also work to make sure the big gas drillers pay their fair share and that we protect our environment instead of exploit it.

This is how we get Pennsylvania back on track.